Cryptosporidium outbreak sees 28 people hospitalised in Wales and this is how the parasite spreads
At least 28 people have been infected by a gastrointestinal illness after visiting a Welsh farm - here is everything we know about the infectious parasite.
Marlborough Grange Farm, where Cowbridge Farm Shop is located
(Image: Marlborough Grange Farm )
At least 28 people have been infected by a gastrointestinal illness after visiting a popular attraction in Wales. Public Health Wales is investigating a suspected outbreak of cryptosporidium in people who attended calf and lamb feeding and petting sessions at Cowbridge Farm Shop at Marlborough Grange Farm, Cowbridge.
Cryptosporidium is an infection from parasites that live in the faeces of infected animals and can cause illness in humans.
The farm posted a short statement announcing the closure of its petting and feeding experiences due to 'unforeseen circumstances' but the post has since been removed from its Facebook page.
Public Health Wales has confirmed that the farm has now voluntarily stopped these activities and is fully cooperating with the investigation.
Read more: 28 people fall ill after feeding animals at Welsh attraction
What is Cryptosporidium?
Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite that lives in the intestines of infected humans and animals. The parasite has a protective outer shell called an oocyst, which allows it to survive for extended periods outside a host, even in harsh environmental conditions. These oocysts are typically found in contaminated water sources, which is the primary way humans get infected.
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Cryptosporidiosis is an intestinal illness caused by a Cryptosporidium infection. It can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe and can last for several weeks.
Symptoms of Cryptosporidiosis
Common symptoms of cryptosporidiosis include watery diarrhea (most common) Stomach cramps, dehydration, nausea, vomiting, fever, and weight loss.
The illness typically begins between two to days after exposure to the parasite and can last anywhere from one to two weeks in healthy individuals.
In immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS, cryptosporidiosis can be more severe and even life-threatening, as their immune systems are unable to control the infection effectively.
How did all 28 people catch it?
The most common way people become infected with Cryptosporidium is by drinking contaminated water. The bacteria is highly resistant to chlorine disinfection, so can survive in swimming pools, lakes, rivers, and even municipal water supplies.
Food can also spread the parasite, particularly through improper handling or sanitation, though this is less common than it being spread through water.
Most likely in this case is it being spread through direct contact with infected individuals or animals. Pets, particularly cattle, can carry Cryptosporidium, and direct contact with faeces or contaminated surfaces can transmit the parasite.
Person-to-person contact can also spread the parasite, especially in day-care centres or crowded settings. Transmission can occur when an infected person does not wash their hands thoroughly after using the bathroom.
Cryptosporidiosis is typically diagnosed by doctors testing stool samples using various diagnostic methods such as microscopic examination, antigen testing and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Treatment
There is no specific antiviral treatment for Cryptosporidium, and so doctors recommend staying hydrated, taking opioid drugs such as paracetamol to ease any stomach pain, as well as anti-diarrheal medications such as loperamide to help reduce symptoms.
Antimicrobial drugs can be used in severe cases or for immunocompromised patients, though they are not guaranteed to be effective.
The best way to prevent Cryptosporidium infection is to avoid exposure to contaminated water and food.
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Cryptosporidiosis in Animals
Cryptosporidium can infect a wide range of animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, dogs, and cats. These animals may show signs of diarrhoea, but some can be asymptomatic carriers, shedding the parasite into the environment.
Farm animals, in particular, can be a major source of contamination for both humans and other animals.
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